______,To a medium saucepan, add sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently so sugar doesn't burn. Once boiling and sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and add the cleaned mint leaves. Let sit and steep at room temperature until cool. Strain the mint and pour into an empty bottle or container with a spout. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.,To assemble the julep:,Fill a small glass or julep cup with crushed ice to the rim. Over ice, pour 1 oz. of mint simple syrup, then 2 oz. bourbon. Stir with a spoon and add one to two mint spears. Snip a straw to fit the glass, short enough to get a good whiff of the mint while you sip. Allow glass to frost and ice to melt a bit, then enjoy!,Feel free to adjust bourbon and syrup to your taste.